This archive report was first published on 21 June 2021.
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) has unveiled a revamped lineup of news bulletins featuring seasoned anchors in a bid to attract a younger audience.
According to KBC Editor-in-Chief Samuel Maina, the changes have been informed by market dynamics and changing audience needs.
Among the new faces on KBC Channel 1 include Tom Mboya, Cynthia Nyamai, Shiksha Arora, John Kioria, Fred Indimuli, Juma Ballo, Harith Salim, and Nancy Onyancha.
The revamped Darubini will now feature household names such as Ahmed Juma Bhalo, Beatrice Gatonye Ngetich on Tuesday and Wednesday, Salim and Onyancha on Friday, before paving the way for Badi Muhsin and Pauline Shegu who will steer the special Kiswahili legend edition on Saturdays.
For the English bulletins, John Jacob Kioria will make a comeback premiering on Wednesday alongside Serfine Achieng Ouma and on Sunday for Sunday Express and family show.
Business anchor Cynthia Nyamai will make her debut on Thursday with Business Insight alternating with Betty Kiptum and Carol Njenga while Easy Friday will be hosted by Fred Indimuli and Skiksha Arora.
High-profile guests will be featured regularly as viewers stay informed on the day's news between Monday and Wednesday on the Prime Edition, Business Insight on Thursday, and Easy Friday as the weekend nears.
KBC has also invested in a state-of-the-art studio facility as part of its infrastructure upgrade strategy that will see new equipment sourced and obsolete kits retired.
According to Maina, the corporation has also partnered with Multichoice in South Africa to supply new equipment and boost on-screen appearance and enhance its Television production capacity.
‘The ‘Legends’ is only on Saturday at 7pm and 9pm. The market has been yearning for these anchors. The corporation decided to give them an opportunity to deliver our product to Kenyans. They are also very experienced and will also be training our upcoming anchors to sharpen their anchoring skills,’ Mr Maina said ahead of the relaunch.
